Job Overview: Firehouse Subs is seeking a creative Innovation Sr. Analyst to support strategic product innovation pipeline and calendar strategy for Latin America region. This role will work cross functionally with key stakeholders to execute and refine our innovation process, ingredient approval process, deliver a clear product strategy, optimize product quality, costs and operational processes of new and existing products.
The core focus of this role will be to shape the innovation strategy and monitor proper product launch in accordance with brand strategy, core menu development and consumer behavior to achieve incremental sales targets and boost consumer preference. These will be done collaborating closely with our franchisees, FHS team and other internal RBI areas
Key Responsibilities: - Work jointly with internal and franchisee marketing, innovation and ops team to develop product concepts, recipes and help generate operation manuals.
- Monitor launches, execution and KPIs to ensure successful and impactful product roll out.
- Monitor product life cycle and evaluate menu updates
- Identify market opportunities and trends to generate new product lines
- Identify technical issues in existing products/ ingredients and generate improvement action plan.
- Generate sensorial testing jointly with key stakeholders to ensure consumer preference and product standards.
- When needed, visit production facilities and attend supplier production runs.
- Facilitate regular meetings with key suppliers to discuss opportunities for cost reduction and/or quality improvement.
- Assist in onboarding new suppliers and ensure compliance with brand policies/regulations.
- Operations, procurement and QA support
- Assist operations team in determining proper equipment settings, holding and handling to ensure quality of the product, speed of service and easy execution. As well as collaborating with ops team to elaborate operation alerts
- Support procurement team in identifying limitations within product specifications, find alternatives and evaluate COGS feasibility of new launches
- Support QA team on follow ups with suppliers and QA process evolution
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management
- Support the LAC culinary Chef into regional implementations and developments
- Act as a key liaison between franchisees, internal departments (Marketing, Supply Chain, QA), and external vendors to support seamless implementation of new products
- Coordinate operational projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with company goals and timelines.
- Support national and regional initiatives, product launches, product transitions, and alternative plans for emergency situations such as stockouts, supplier production setbacks and other market specific issues
Required Skills and Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts or related fields
- Minimum 2 years in similar roles in QSR or kitchen experience preferably
- Strong understanding of restaurant operations, supply chain constraints and cost management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint required)
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to generate insights from data and support strategic decision-making
- Presentations skills with the ability to structure, create and present innovation plans
- Execution mindset to be able to deliver the plans together with the franchisees or internal areas
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of the organization.
- Start-up mentality, eager to move quickly, act autonomously, and work with a lean team.
- Passionate advocate for exceptional guest experiences and customer loyalty.
- You are a Food Lover: trying new menu, cooking, or eating are amongst your life passions
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Entrepreneurial spirit with "it's always Day 1" mindset
- Written and verbal proficiency within both English and Spanish languages are required.
Travel - Position will necessitate ad-hoc travel 20%+ to countries throughout the LAC region.
Why Join RBI? At RBI, we believe in empowering our teams to drive meaningful change. As Senior Analyst, Innovation for Firehouse Subs LAC, you will play a crucial role in shaping the market position of our iconic brands and delivering unparalleled experiences to our guests.
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Benefits at all of our global offices are focused on physical, mental and financial wellness. We offer unique and progressive benefits, including a comprehensive global paid parental leave program that supports employees as they expand their families, free telemedicine and mental wellness support.
